How to check kids early teeth development

It is common knowledge that teeth development in early childhood is an important part of overall oral health as children grow to adults. From the first baby teeth to teenage years, good oral health care is critical. There are ways to check early teeth development as your children grow up to ensure their teeth are strong. It is important to understand the stages of teeth development in babies as newborns grow.

 Starting at birth until around 4 months of age looking for primary teeth to appear is the first step. Simple practices like wiping baby's gums twice a day will keep the mouth clean. Around 12 months of age you can schedule the first dental check up. Regular brushing with small amounts of fluoride toothpaste can begin as early as the first two teeth appear. This can be the time to start checking for signs of tooth decay, as well as setting good habits.

 Teeth Development from Birth to Early Adulthood

Good oral care is critical for children and infants as their teeth develop into adulthood (https://www.bakerpediatricdentistry.com/services). There are stages of teeth development in babies that are the beginning of your child's oral health. Paying attention to diet and practicing habits like correct brushing and flossing go a long way in reinforcing proper oral care early in development.

 The first teeth begin to form even before birth.By 4 to 7 months the primary teeth will begin to come through the gums. By the age of 3 years old all of the primary teeth should be present. In general, children get their primary teeth by the age of 6. Teeth continue to develop through teenage years and early adulthood. Teeth development in early childhood continues until children have grown up to the age of 21.

Ways to Maintain Good Oral Health

 By following a positive tooth care regimen early in childhood, a lifetime of good oral health can be achieved. Some key ways to combat tooth decay include:

• Practice routine dental care that includes correct brushing and flossing. This step is one of the most critical practices to learn early on.
• Add small amounts of fluoride toothpaste as teeth develop. A gradual increase in the amount of toothpaste as your child ages ensures proper oral health.
• Change toothbrushes regularly as needed.
• Reducing or limiting sugar intake. Sugar has been shown to be a major contributing factor in rapid tooth decay.
• Dental sealants are a relatively new way to add a layer of protection to teeth to slow or prevent decay. This plastic material can be bonded to the teeth for extra protection.
• Routine check ups through stages of teeth development in babies.

Oral Care During Teething

The dental term for teething is odontiasis. This is a stage when babies are first getting their teeth and the gums can become irritated. It is a common occurrence between the ages of 4 to 7 months old. There are ways to check for this stage of development while helping your baby through this transition. Swollen gums, fussiness or irritability, sleeping pattern changes, and biting hard objects are common signs your baby is teething.

Teething devices like a firm rubber ring made for teething can give your baby something to bite on. Gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger can bring some relief as well. It is important to contact a doctor if there are signs of fever or there is abnormal pain.

Adding Fluoride

Reducing sugars in your child's diet is the first step to minimize harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. Introducing fluoride toothpaste as soon as teeth first appear can play a role in strengthening teeth and helping to curb tooth decay. A soft bristle brush with a small amount of fluoride toothpaste can be used when your baby is ready for brushing.

Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

When you are looking for excellent pediatric dental care for your children in Idaho Falls, ID or Alpine, WY, you can count on Baker Pediatric Dentistry. We offer full pediatric dental services for positive teeth development in early childhood that include behavior management techniques, teeth-friendly diets for kids, frenectomy, growth and development analysis, and more. Give us a call or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment today.

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